Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately,
the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer
brain damage when
people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors
say any bystander can recognize a stroke asking three simple questions:

* ask the individual to smile.
* him or her to raise both arms.
* ask the person to speak a simple sentence.

If he or she has trouble with any of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately
and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. After discovering that a
group of
nonmedical volunteers could identify facial weakness, arm weakness and
speech problems, researchers urged the general public to learn the three

questions.They presented their conclusions at the American Stroke
Association's annual meeting in February 2004. Widespread use of this
test could result in
prompt diagnosis and treatment of the stroke and prevent brain damage."

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